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Why It Matters:
Ukrainian use of long-range missiles has long been contentious for the U.S. Although the Joe Biden administration authorized Kyiv’s use of American Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) in its final days, the issue remains sensitive. ATACMS have a range of roughly 190 miles. Instead, Ukraine relied on homemade drones to strike deep into Russian territory.
What To Know:
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief, developed a review process to determine whether Kyiv could use long-range Western weapons against Russia. This review became effective in late spring and covers both U.S.-made missiles like ATACMS and weapons donated by European allies that require U.S. support for optimal use.
Ukraine had previously complained that restrictions on long-range strikes constrained its ability to fight Russia effectively. Two officials told the outlet that Kyiv attempted to use ATACMS against Russia but was rebuffed at least once. The decision ultimately rests with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“The Secretary is working in lockstep with President Trump,” said Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary. “The war in Ukraine needs to end. There has been no change in military posture.”
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Newsweek could not independently verify the report, and the Pentagon declined to comment. Newsweek reached out to the White House and Ukrainian military for further information.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has fluctuated. The administration authorized a pause in intelligence flow to Kyiv earlier this year but later approved more weapons through NATO allies. Trump previously stated it is “very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invader’s country.” Before taking office, he disagreed with sending missiles hundreds of miles into Russia.
The administration has been hesitant to pressure the Kremlin in peace negotiations but suggested possible sanctions or tariffs on Russia if progress isn’t swift. Ukraine signed up to a U.S. ceasefire proposal in March, which Russia refused. The Russian nuclear power plant in western Kursk intercepted a Ukrainian drone near its site early Sunday morning, causing damage and sparking a fire.
Ukraine’s military attacked the Ust-Lega sea terminal in Russia’s Leningrad region and targeted logistics facilities in Belgorod and Voronezh regions, as well as an oil refinery in Samara. Kyiv aims to disrupt Russian energy exports that support its war effort.
